How to register to vote in NJ

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With a lot of headline news at the top of the ticket – from the first and most likely only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, to yet another assassination attempt on the former President - what could this all mean for the down ballot candidates, especially for the coveted Senate seat in New Jersey! Republican Nominee Curtis Bashaw discusses his campaign.

NEW JERSEY - With less than a month until Election Day, New Jersey residents must register to vote to ensure their voices are heard.

The deadline to register is quickly approaching, but the good news? Registering is easier than ever.

Here's everything to know about registering to vote in New Jersey, including how to register, how to check your registration status and NJ's voter registration deadline:

How to register to vote

Online

To get started, you'll need your date of birth and either:

Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID Card: This must be current/valid and issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Your information will be checked with the MVC to confirm your identity.Or -
Or -
Social Security Number: If you're registering with your Social Security number, you'll need to be able to sign on-screen or upload a digital signature to complete the process.

A poll worker collects mail in ballots from a drop box for the New Jersey primary election on June 4, 2024, in Hoboken, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

By mail

NJ voters who cannot upload a digital signature or prefer to fill out a paper registration application can download a PDF on the state's voter registration website. Each county has its own registration applications, and statewide applications are available in 12 languages.

Once printed and filled out, voters must send the form to their County Commissioner of Registration or county's Superintendent of Elections. Click here to find yours.

NJ voter registration deadline

New Jersey's voter registration deadline is Tuesday, October 15, 21 days before Election Day. So, make sure you don’t miss that cut-off!

Check voter registration status in NJ

New Jersey voters can check their voter registration status online with your name and date of birth.

How to update or modify NJ voter registration

Voters can change their address through the Motor Vehicle Commission portal. Select "yes" when prompted to update your voting record.

Who Can Register?

To register in New Jersey, you must meet a few basic requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be at least 17 years old (but note, you can't vote until you turn 18)
Have lived in your NJ county for at least 30 days before the election
Not be serving a sentence for a conviction of an indictable offense

If you meet these requirements, you're well on your way to casting your vote.

New Jersey residents can't register to vote if they are serving a sentence of incarceration as a result of a conviction of an indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States.